Isaac Sasson Drops Council Bid

In a major boost for former Assemblyman Rory Lancman’s bid for the City Council, his main rival, Isaac Sasson, is withdrawing from the race.

Although Mr. Lancman has been endorsed by the Queens County Democratic organization and the overwhelming majority of labor unions, Mr. Sasson, a lottery winner with millions of dollars at his disposal, could have self-financed a serious campaign effort.

Lilliana Zulunova, a top aide in Mr. Sasson’s campaign, told Politicker the former candidate “will be focusing on philanthropy and his related positions in the Orthodox Jewish community.”

Mr. Lancman, who said he had not heard the news before reporters reached out to him, declined to comment. He still faces community activist Andrea Veras in the Democratic primary.

Incumbent Councilman Jim Gennaro is term-limited and therefore barred from seeking another term.